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5K Your Way: Become a Hustle for Hope 5K Host!

November 4th, 2024  | Advocacy  | Fundraising  | Hustle for Hope 5K  | News

 

In the world of Hope for HIE, we believe in the power of community, the strength of unity, and the unwavering resilience of families navigating the challenges of neonatal and pediatric-acquired HIE. And what better way to embody these principles than becoming a 2025 Hustle for Hope 5K Host?

We’ve witnessed the profound impact of our 5K fundraiser on our mission to enhance the quality of life for children and families affected by HIE. Just last year, more than 15 dedicated hosts organized local events that brought our community together, raised crucial funds, and, most importantly, spread hope. In combination with our virtual run, these in-person events collectively doubled our event registrants and raised more than $90,000 for our community, spanning various locations from Seattle to New York and beyond!

Now, as we look ahead to 2025, we’re setting our sights even higher. We’re aiming to expand our network of hosts and create an even more profound ripple of positive change.

And that’s where you come in.

FAQs

Becoming a 2025 Hustle for Hope 5K Host is easier than you might think. We’ll provide you with guidance, resources, and a supportive network every step of the way. You can 5K your way: whether you choose to host a small, intimate event or a larger community gathering, you can make a meaningful impact.

Have questions? We got you covered. Take a look at our responses to some FAQs below, and sign up to be a driving force behind positive change. Let’s make 2025 our most impactful year yet!

Hustle Host Basics

Who can volunteer as a Hustle Host?
Anyone with a passion for supporting children and families affected by HIE! This includes HIE parents and guardians, extended family members, friends, and even healthcare professionals.

Do I have to host alone, or can I host with a team of people?
While you definitely can, you don’t have to host alone! Hosting with a team of people can be a fantastic way to amplify your impact and make the event even more enjoyable. Our team can also put you in contact with other interested hosts in your area to see if you want to co-host!

Do I need to be an experienced event organizer to host a 5K?
Absolutely not! Hope for HIE provides support, resources, and guidance to help you throughout the hosting process. We’ll assist with event logistics, fundraising strategies, and promotion. So, whether you’re a seasoned event planner or someone hosting their first 5K, you can confidently take on the role of a Hustle Host!

Can I host a 5K event in memory of or in honor of a loved one impacted by HIE?
Absolutely, hosting a Hustle for Hope 5K event in memory of or in honor of a loved one impacted by HIE is a beautiful way to pay tribute and raise awareness for this important cause. Many hosts choose to dedicate their events to someone special and use it as an opportunity to celebrate their memory or acknowledge their journey.

How do I sign up to be a Hustle Host?
It’s easy! Simply fill out this form, and our Program Manager — Deanna Bryan — will be in touch with you to provide you with the next steps.

Hustle Host Perks and Responsibilities

Aside from a sense of pride, community, and support, what other perks do I receive as a Hustle Host?
The perks, we must say, are plentiful! As a Hustle Host, you get (deep inhale in…)

  • Complimentary event registration for you and four additional family members or friends
  • Complimentary Hustle for Hope t-shirt for you and four additional family members or friends
  • Hope for HIE swag and event signage
  • Funds for event space fees, nourishment, or promotion
  • Individualized guidance and support for pre-and-post-event planning

What are my main responsibilities as a Hustle Host?
While we’re here to support you every step of the way, your main responsibilities as a Hustle Host are to:

  • Establish an event space, date, and time
  • Solicit local sponsors (using our customizable template)
  • Promote the race (using your individualized promotional flyer)
  • Raise funds
  • Tally participants and donations to send back to Hope for HIE

Event Planning and Logistics

Is there a specific date or time when I have to host the 5K?
While the virtual Hustle 5K goes all the way until May 31st, we ask our Hustle Hosts to establish their event in the month of April, in honor of HIE Awareness Month.

How do I go about reserving a space for the 5k?
You’ll typically need to reach out to your local city office or Parks and Recreation department. These municipal authorities often manage public spaces, parks, and trails that can be used for a 5k.

Are there any specific guidelines or recommendations for designing the 5K route?
Your local municipality will have plenty of ideas, but it is most important to try and reserve a space that is conducive for walking, running, or riding, as accessibility is essential for our participants!

What if my local municipality requires liability insurance or a permit?
No worries. We have experience with this. Simply let us know the requirements set forth by your local office, and we’ll provide you with the insurance information and subsequent permit!

How much time will I have to plan and coordinate this event?
The sooner you sign up as a Hustle Host, the more time you’ll have! With that said, we know no one likes to be rushed, so we have developed step-by-step training modules and guides to help get you started.

Hope for HIE Resources and Support

What forms of event planning support will Hope for HIE provide?
The Hope for HIE team will provide you with comprehensive training modules, along with event planning resources, like how-to guides, checklists, suggested timelines, and live/recorded AMA calls to help you organize and execute a successful 5K event.

How will Hope for HIE help me promote my local 5k?
Once the details of your event are established and officially approved by your local municipality, we will curate individualized promotional materials for your race, such as flyers, posters, social media graphics, and online event pages, to help you promote your event to and within your community.

Will Hope for HIE provide me with fundraising support?
Thanks to our registration platform, RunSignUp, fundraising has never been easier. We’ll show you how to create a specific fundraiser for your team/event, which participants can directly donate to upon registration. Hope for HIE will also provide you with QR donation codes on your personalized promotional flyer.

I don’t have a lot of experience with finding local sponsors. How can Hope for HIE help me with that?
We will assist you with communication strategies, including personalizable email templates, to effectively reach out to potential participants, donors, and sponsors.

What about financial assistance?
Hope for HIE will contribute $100 to each local event. You can use these funds at your discretion, whether that’s to cover the potential cost of the event space fee or to provide nourishment to your participants on the day of the race. Save your receipts, and we will reimburse those costs up to $100.

Will Hope for HIE provide me with swag items to sell at my event?
You bet we will! Our swag items change every year, but historically, we can provide you with stickers, branded wristbands, Hope for HIE coloring books for the kiddos, t-shirts, and more.

Miscellaneous FAQs

How can I involve my local community and encourage participation in the event?
Involving your local community and encouraging participation in the Hustle for Hope 5K event can be a fun and engaging process. In the past, some Hustle Hosts fostered excitement and involvement by:

  • Reaching out to local NICUs, schools, sports teams, businesses, and community groups to form partnerships.
  • Adding family-friendly activities to their event, such as food trucks, bouncy houses, face painting, or live music.
  • Challenging different groups within their community to create teams and compete in the 5K and giving prizes to the winning teams.
  • Offering opportunities for community members to volunteer at the event.

How can I stay connected with other hosts or registrants to share and hear ideas?
Our new training management system will allow Hosts to collaborate and share ideas! You can also join our 2025 Hustle for Hope Participant Group and Hope for HIE location-based groups on Facebook to stay in touch with other hosts and interested participants in your area!

Who do I talk to when I have questions?
The first person on our team to speak to is our Program Manager, Deanna Bryan. She’ll address your questions and concerns and will be the primary resource of information, guidance, and support!

Sign Up Now!

Are you ready to turn HOPE into ACTION? Don’t wait! Join us as a 2025 Hustle for Hope 5K Host, and together, we’ll make a difference, build community, raise awareness, and inspire hope!

 

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